WHAT Fundraiser to help local military familyWHERE Courtyard Marriott, 4375 Metro Circle, NW, North CantonSPONSORED BY The Jackson/Belden Young Professionals, Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce and the Courtyard MarriottCOST Tickets are $25 per person or $40 per coupleMORE INFORMATION About the event, making a cash donation or sponsoring a gaming table is available by calling the Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce at 330-833-4400.

Military families across the U.S. endure great sacrifice for the protection of the country. Many have husbands or wives in harm's way while deployed overseas all the while carrying on with the family at home.

The solider is away from loved ones and the loved ones have to live without the solider as deployments last months or even years. It's tough. It's hard. And, it's an act of true unselfishness.

But the community wants to be sure that the family never feels alone.

One local military family will be a benefactor of an upcoming fundraiser held by the Jackson/Belden Young Professionals (JAX). A Camouflage Christmas Monte Carlo Night is planned for 6 to 10 p.m., Dec. 19 at the Courtyard by Marriott on Metro Circle in North Canton.

"JAX wanted to come together to help support this family," said Amanda Anderson, president of JAX.

All proceeds will go to the military family whose husband/father is deployed overseas. The mother – along with the couple's three young boys, all under the age of 4 – will be at the event. The solider will be broadcast through Skype into the event on a big screen television which is being donated for use at the event by Copeco.

"Because of the sensitivity of deployment," Anderson said, "we can't say the family's name until the night of the event. What we can say is that the soldier's wife and children will be at the event and all of the proceeds will go to them."

The family's youngest son was born 12 weeks premature in July. Because of the care the child needs, the mother has not been able to work. The couple will be celebrating its fifth wedding anniversary on Dec. 20, the day after the fundraiser.

All items for the event including the food, the use of the hotel, the baskets for raffle and other prizes have been donated. The gaming tables are being sponsored by local businesses and individuals.

JAX has held events such as this since it's founding six years ago. The intent of the group is to engage 21- to 40-year-old professionals in the community and to bridge the gap between established professionals and those just starting out.

"We try to come together once a year to do something with the Jackson Township community," Anderson said. "JAX has had a strong ongoing relationship with the Jackson-Belden Chamber and the organization is a positive group for the township."

A few of the other events JAX has hosted include a night that highlights area non-profit organizations and a fundraiser for a local 6-year-old battling cancer.

The group also hosts social and networking events.

"JAX is honored and excited to be a part of this event and the family is excited too," Anderson said.

Page 2 of 2 - Nicole Duncan, catering sales manager at Courtyard Marriott, said that the hotel was excited to get involved with the project.

"JAX approached us about holding the fundraiser at the Courtyard Marriott and we see it as a way to give back to the community," Duncan said. "We hope to reach 100 to 150 people and raise at least $4,000 for this family."

In addition to the gaming tables, there will be a photo booth, magician, cash bar, raffle drawings, Chinese drawing, appetizers and desserts.